CHURCHGOERS are asking for a footpath to be closed because it has become a favourite meeting point for gangs of youths.

The path runs alongside the Unitarian Church of Rawtenstall and is used as a short cut from Ormerod Street to Bank Street.

Now church officers are asking Rossendale Council to close it on the grounds that it is used for anti-social purposes and leads to litter and public disorder. They add that closing the footpath would increase security for the town centre church.

A decision will be taken by the council's engineering and planning committee on Monday.

Councillors have been warned that if people living in Ormerod Street object, it is unlikely that the request will succeed as there is no alternative path to the shops on Bank Street.

Legal and administrative costs could amount to £500 and the church would have to pay for any pipes or cables under the footpath to be diverted. Officers want to consult with residents and the public utilities to find out whether there would be any objections.

If councillors agree to the closure, the church would have to bear legal and administrative costs.

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